Labor Day 2023
Monday, September 4, 2023
Where did the Summer of ’23 go? It seems like only yesterday it was late June and another endless summer was in the offing. It’s been a pretty long time since the ‘endless summer’ concept rattled around in my brain but hope still seems to spring eternal. It’s been a good time in Vanessa’s and my lives and we’ve been blessed with a good year. Our daughter Izze graduated high school, is taking a gap year, working at a local coffee shop and sharing her own apartment with a friend. She just stopped by the house to pick up her tennis racket. It was nice to see her. Even though we still live in the same town, I realize that she has left home and though she might visit for any of a number of reasons, she will never really return. That little girl is gone and a lovely young woman has taken her place. What more could one hope for in this moment? Yet… it is still bitter sweet.
My old pal Jack Casady will be showing up later this week and we will be getting ready to rehearse with Justin Guip for our final Electric Voyage with Hot Tuna. Indeed, the final electric tour with the band is right around the corner. Yes folks, this is the real deal. Be there or be… you know. Time marches on and I find it helpful to try to stay in tune with the reality that said time offers one. As long as one breathes life continues to be a work in progress. It will be interesting to see what door opens as this one closes.
It has been in the 90’s here in Southeast Ohio for the past couple of days and it looks as if the rest of the week will continue to be hot. I’ve been able to get some great morning motorcycle rides in the morning before it just gets too darn unpleasant. The leaves on the trees are beginning to look dusty and it won’t be long before they begin to turn and fall. The advancing seasons wait for no one.
Backyard Bounty
Photo by Ginger Gagné
Today Vanessa and I went down to the house at the Fur Peace Ranch to take advantage of the little swimming pool before it is time to close it up for another year. The closing of the pool is truly the end of summer regardless of the date. Vanessa has already posted the first cannonball of the year and here on my site… is the last. The first one is Vanessa and myself working on our synchronized cannonballing act. The second is me executing it the way I learned to do it when I was a kid. Some things never change!
Gravity and age defying
Vanessa Kaukonen
Well folks, I hear fall lurking around the corner waiting to pounce. More updates will be posted as the rehearsals for the Final Electric Act progress!
My last Hot Tuna SF Fillmore shows were right before the Covid lockdown. So excited to see you folks one last time there. Thanks for the return to San Francisco. I was worried you might not make it out here. Hoping we see Pete & Michael there as well.
How about “ Feels So Good “
Jorma I was wondering if you could write a piece about guitarists you encountered over the years who you think we should check out who maybe didn’t get much attention back in the day and after the day so to speak.
One thing about the coolness of this blog is that something always comes along that stretches my mind. “I hear fall lurking around the corner” did it this time. I don’t know if your reference was to the tour about to rev up or what, but it set me to thinking. What are sounds of fall? The leaves rustle a little differently as they begin to dry. Bird calls increase as they begin to move down the flyway that passes through here. There’s the absence of sound some afternoons in these dog days. Like I said, makes me think. Nice place to visit, here.
Grateful for the shows at the Fillmore. I guest my west coast cry was heard :). My first show was 1976, so 47 years of seeing you guys and the anticipation and excitement never get old.
I see the pair on Roman posters advertising upcoming Cannonball Run…Jack, Jorma, Justin Too; Electric Toodle Oo. John Malkovitch astride the trio holding marionette tools.
Well I guess this only happens once. The influence Jorma/Hot Tuna has had in my life is such that I’ve got to go to San Francisco. It’s like a pilgrimage for this Tuna Head. God bless
INVITATION! Looking forward to the final electric gigs, been there for 50+ years…
Great form Jorma! Glad you guys had a chance to enjoy the heat wave over this Labor Day weekend. It’s still almost 90 degrees today here in the Catskills. You have to enjoy it while you have it. The forecast is for a warm September.
See you at the Beacon for the last time exactly 50 years from my first show on Long Island in 1973.
It’s my Golden Anniversary-Thanks for all of the memories. You guys were the BEST EVER.
Speaking somewhat euphemistically ,the best day in late spring -when the pool opens up .
The worst and most regrettable day in October is the day when you can no longer tolerate the changing pool temp & elect to winterize the pool.
Wendy and I sit outside every night and enjoy the hummingbird antics pool side .
Looks like an octogenarian having a blast doing a modified cannonball .
Enjoy as long as we can
Keep a stiff upper ,dive in
See you guys Electric in Live Oak
We’ve got rein, reign and rain. Three totally different things, pronounced the same way. English sure is a funny language!
“The time has come to dance and play!”
Best wishes and a whole bunch of love to you both!
If the stars are in alignment please squeeze in a Capitol show in Port Chester
Sorry spelling error Free Rein
I think it’s time to break out Free Reign and Invitation😇